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If Only a Heart and Other Tales of Terror
"A captivating collection of creepy tales, infused with loss and pathos, about the most terrifying organ in the body—the human heart." — Brian Asman, author of Man, Fuck This House
“If Only A Heart is a series of rich and vivid nightmares. Caleb Stephens powerfully weaves inhuman terrors into all-too-human tales of fraught relationships and personal suffering. Gorgeous prose. A breathtaking collection.” — Christi Nogle, author of Beulah
“If Only A Heart, at its core, has many stories that focus on family—found families, chosen yet unwanted families, families that are not actually family—and drags us on journeys that are filled with tension and often also with betrayal. A chilling, heart-wrenching collection perfect for reading under the covers—but don’t forget to come up for air.” — Ai Jiang, author of Linghun
An unlikely friendship is born in the red clay dirt of a trailer park. Two latchkey kids who will do anything to hold onto one other, despite the consequences.
A disabled boy and his sister move into a house by the sea, one haunted by a demon living in the walls.
A father on a camping trip in a remote section of Appalachia wakes to find his daughter missing, taken by something not quite human.
A traumatized teenager stumbles across a strange slide at a waterpark—one only he can see.
If Only a Heart and Other Tales of Terror is a visceral collection of thirteen stories that explore what happens when we open ourselves to others and dare to let them in. There are monsters on these pages, yes, ones whose teeth cut deep, but never as deep as the teeth of the monsters in the mirror.
“If Only A Heart is a series of rich and vivid nightmares. Caleb Stephens powerfully weaves inhuman terrors into all-too-human tales of fraught relationships and personal suffering. Gorgeous prose. A breathtaking collection.” — Christi Nogle, author of Beulah
“If Only A Heart, at its core, has many stories that focus on family—found families, chosen yet unwanted families, families that are not actually family—and drags us on journeys that are filled with tension and often also with betrayal. A chilling, heart-wrenching collection perfect for reading under the covers—but don’t forget to come up for air.” — Ai Jiang, author of Linghun
An unlikely friendship is born in the red clay dirt of a trailer park. Two latchkey kids who will do anything to hold onto one other, despite the consequences.
A disabled boy and his sister move into a house by the sea, one haunted by a demon living in the walls.
A father on a camping trip in a remote section of Appalachia wakes to find his daughter missing, taken by something not quite human.
A traumatized teenager stumbles across a strange slide at a waterpark—one only he can see.
If Only a Heart and Other Tales of Terror is a visceral collection of thirteen stories that explore what happens when we open ourselves to others and dare to let them in. There are monsters on these pages, yes, ones whose teeth cut deep, but never as deep as the teeth of the monsters in the mirror.
Paperback
First published October 1, 2022
About the author
Caleb Stephens
24 books1,181 followersCaleb Stephens is an award-winning thriller author based in Denver, Colorado. He's the author of the psychological thrillers You'll Never Know, If You Lie, and The Girls in the Cabin, and a two-time Colorado Book Award finalist. When he's not writing, Caleb enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Bodhi — ideally while drinking a strong cup of coffee.
To learn more about his work and grab a free story, check out his website www.calebstephensauthor.com, and follow him on TikTok and Instagram @calebstephensauthor.
To learn more about his work and grab a free story, check out his website www.calebstephensauthor.com, and follow him on TikTok and Instagram @calebstephensauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
July 26, 2022
I had the thrill of reading the stories in this collection early, but I suspect some of the horror stories here will remain long-time favorites going forward. Stephens' talent for crafting powerful, nuanced horror shines through in every story here, with powerful and gorgeously written imagery bringing the horror as well as the humanity in each tale to full life. I'm rarely surprised when reading horror shorts, but with this collection, even some of the shorter stories shocked me with their turns. But in the good way--where, looking back as a reader, you're surprised you didn't see the reveal coming even as you find that you're still shocked. In other words, Stephens earns the reveals and twists in each story, and he does so with an attention to detail that cannot be understated. I'm a sucker for gorgeous prose and images done right, and that's what broadcasts from the page with every story here.
Worth noting also is the fact that although the collection holds together thematically, the themes and the stories never get old or repetitive. Like a great music album, the collection uses each piece to tweak a slightly different note on what's being explored, in an ever more unique fashion, and the collection is that much stronger for it.
If you're a lover of horror stories, this is a collection to pick up, and an author to watch.
Absolutely recommended.
Worth noting also is the fact that although the collection holds together thematically, the themes and the stories never get old or repetitive. Like a great music album, the collection uses each piece to tweak a slightly different note on what's being explored, in an ever more unique fashion, and the collection is that much stronger for it.
If you're a lover of horror stories, this is a collection to pick up, and an author to watch.
Absolutely recommended.
September 22, 2023
I found myself covering my mouth several times while reading this book. I did not want to get the attention of the things on the page.
I could feel the panic of the characters as the author found imaginative ways to bring about their end. I could feel the suffering of the characters guilt, grief, and loss. I could feel the dread at what they had become. Most importantly was that every story made me experience what the characters were going through. It is hard to do that in one short story let alone all of them.
Caleb Stephens has no boundaries with his unique and twisted imagination and I am here for it.
I could feel the panic of the characters as the author found imaginative ways to bring about their end. I could feel the suffering of the characters guilt, grief, and loss. I could feel the dread at what they had become. Most importantly was that every story made me experience what the characters were going through. It is hard to do that in one short story let alone all of them.
Caleb Stephens has no boundaries with his unique and twisted imagination and I am here for it.
September 30, 2022
If Only A Heart and Other Tales of Terror, Caleb Stephens’ debut collection, is a terrific offering of horror. His stories are tense, fun, and frightening, with each offering something new. “The Wallpaper Man” opens the collection, where a family moves into a Victorian-style home and the narrator notices something, or someone, very strange in the wallpaper at night. The layers of tension amp up as the story continues. The Wallpaper Man targets the narrator’s young sister, leaving him to wonder if this being can be stopped, or is truly inescapable.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
October 1, 2022
I first came across Caleb Stephens' work on The Dread Machine and was gob smacked by his talent, how beautiful and poetic his prose was, and how much heart his stories were filled with. To say I was ecstatic to hear he's releasing this collection would be the understatement of the year. Some of my favorite horror fixates on the home and on monsters tearing precariously-held-together-families apart. Poltergeist, The Shining, Hereditary, The Open House. It's no wonder, then, that I quickly fell in love with Stephens' stories as it's in this vein much of his work lands. If emotionally resonant, heartfelt horror that makes you weep with dread is your thing, this collection is for you.
Whether it's Nick in "The Wallpaper Man," battling ALS, able-bodied bullies, and an abusive dad only to learn the true cost of revenge.
Or Nat in "Don't Let Her In," facing off with her grief and an emotionally manipulative, shape-shifting monster.
Or the mother in "I Will Wait for You," struggling with the loss of her child.
Or widower Paul in the titular "If Only A Heart," learning the lengths he'll go to keep the dying promise he made to his wife.
(Also, can I just: "In the distance, rising like a purple bruise from the lush green earth, was the spine of the Appalachians, and closer yet stood Mount Sequoyah, cloaked in a magnificent robe of red oak and pignut hickory."
Seriously, the prose is unfair.)
Stephens deftly navigates the horrors lurking in our homes and everyday lives, the horror of grief, of loss, of family---the horror lurking in our own hearts. If you liked Laurel Hightower's CROSSROADS, you will love this collection.
Whether it's Nick in "The Wallpaper Man," battling ALS, able-bodied bullies, and an abusive dad only to learn the true cost of revenge.
Or Nat in "Don't Let Her In," facing off with her grief and an emotionally manipulative, shape-shifting monster.
Or the mother in "I Will Wait for You," struggling with the loss of her child.
Or widower Paul in the titular "If Only A Heart," learning the lengths he'll go to keep the dying promise he made to his wife.
(Also, can I just: "In the distance, rising like a purple bruise from the lush green earth, was the spine of the Appalachians, and closer yet stood Mount Sequoyah, cloaked in a magnificent robe of red oak and pignut hickory."
Seriously, the prose is unfair.)
Stephens deftly navigates the horrors lurking in our homes and everyday lives, the horror of grief, of loss, of family---the horror lurking in our own hearts. If you liked Laurel Hightower's CROSSROADS, you will love this collection.
October 16, 2022
I really liked this author’s way of giving these individual stories a voice of their own while also making them recognisable as his own. Each story was messed up and sad and sometimes unsettling, but also just really fun to read.
My favourites were…
- The Wallpaper Man
- Don’t Let Her In
- Welcome to Camp Klehani!
- You Always Wanted a Garden
- The Backwards Man
- A Slide Infinite
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy!
My favourites were…
- The Wallpaper Man
- Don’t Let Her In
- Welcome to Camp Klehani!
- You Always Wanted a Garden
- The Backwards Man
- A Slide Infinite
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy!
August 16, 2022
I loved this anthology. Each story was fresh and full of nightmare fuel.
My favorite had to be The Wallpaper Man with The Crowing in a close second.
The Wallpaper Man follows a young man suffering through hardships, the loss of his mother, which in turn cause the loss of his father, because he struggles to find meaning in life.
They eventually move, fresh start, but the Wallpaper Man is still there. Asking Nick for a name. A name to sate it’s hunger, feeding off the fear and pain of its meal. But for a long time Nick refuses.
Until he meets Roger, a nasty kid, that makes his life miserable. He gives the Wallpaper Man his name, and Roger is no longer a problem.
Then, Nick is faced with a choice, the Wallpaper man ravenous, enjoys the scent of Nick’s younger sister, Piper,
Piper is now plagued by their father and his nightly visits. He dooms one to save the other., right up until the end. He does everything he can to save Piper.
That’s just one of several unique tales in this book. Each offering different types of tales, each gut-wrenching, each new for the genre.
Definitely a great book, and would recommend to someone who loves the dark, scary things in life.
Note: I received this in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite had to be The Wallpaper Man with The Crowing in a close second.
The Wallpaper Man follows a young man suffering through hardships, the loss of his mother, which in turn cause the loss of his father, because he struggles to find meaning in life.
They eventually move, fresh start, but the Wallpaper Man is still there. Asking Nick for a name. A name to sate it’s hunger, feeding off the fear and pain of its meal. But for a long time Nick refuses.
Until he meets Roger, a nasty kid, that makes his life miserable. He gives the Wallpaper Man his name, and Roger is no longer a problem.
Then, Nick is faced with a choice, the Wallpaper man ravenous, enjoys the scent of Nick’s younger sister, Piper,
Piper is now plagued by their father and his nightly visits. He dooms one to save the other., right up until the end. He does everything he can to save Piper.
That’s just one of several unique tales in this book. Each offering different types of tales, each gut-wrenching, each new for the genre.
Definitely a great book, and would recommend to someone who loves the dark, scary things in life.
Note: I received this in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
this was a great collection of terror, the stories were what I enjoyed from the horror genre. The writing was really well done and I enjoyed getting to know each character in this collection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2025
The audiobook version of this was *chef's kiss 👌
September 22, 2022
This is an incredible set of stories from fairly new voice in horror. It was so easy to sit down and read several of these stories in a row - I couldn't get enough!
Caleb's writing is so immersive, pulling the reader deep into these twisted narratives he creates. I found myself experiencing a range of emotions - horror, sadness, even happiness in some moments! - these stories really do run the gamut.
I want to call out a couple stories that really stood out to me (it was so hard to narrow this down!):
- "Shadow Puppets" - this is one that hooked me so quick. This story has that sense perfect sense of dread, of something that's just off, I found myself reading so quickly to find out what. Perfect ending.
- "The Backwards Man" - quite possibly my favorite in the entire collection, this story draws on fears I think every person can relate to, but Caleb turns the dial to 100. Really just a perfect horror story.
Caleb's writing is so immersive, pulling the reader deep into these twisted narratives he creates. I found myself experiencing a range of emotions - horror, sadness, even happiness in some moments! - these stories really do run the gamut.
I want to call out a couple stories that really stood out to me (it was so hard to narrow this down!):
- "Shadow Puppets" - this is one that hooked me so quick. This story has that sense perfect sense of dread, of something that's just off, I found myself reading so quickly to find out what. Perfect ending.
- "The Backwards Man" - quite possibly my favorite in the entire collection, this story draws on fears I think every person can relate to, but Caleb turns the dial to 100. Really just a perfect horror story.
August 8, 2022
An awesome collection of short stories that explore loss, grieving and love but in the most eery way. If you’re a fan of creepy af short stories, this’ll be perfect for you! I also love the added artwork throughout. Adds to the creep factor and I loved the art style itself.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 11, 2023
If Only a Heart takes you on some harrowing adventures, accompanied with disturbing illustrations.
My favourite tales were: “Don’t let her in”, “Welcome to Camp Klehani”, and “The Atoll”.
Like the author mentions in his acknowledgments, I too read The Hobbit at a young age. It changed my life and I read and read and read, finding whole new worlds opening up before me. Caleb’s tales were so well written I could easily immerse myself into each one.
It was an absolute dark delight to read this collection of stories.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BooksGoSocial for a copy.
My favourite tales were: “Don’t let her in”, “Welcome to Camp Klehani”, and “The Atoll”.
Like the author mentions in his acknowledgments, I too read The Hobbit at a young age. It changed my life and I read and read and read, finding whole new worlds opening up before me. Caleb’s tales were so well written I could easily immerse myself into each one.
It was an absolute dark delight to read this collection of stories.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BooksGoSocial for a copy.
August 13, 2023
"I’ll never walk again. I knew it the moment I woke with the ambulance lights bleeding over my freshly broken body, Josh’s head skewered on a tree limb next to me in the passenger seat."
A brilliant selection of 13 short stories, each one completely different than the one before. These stories were all unique, and while I usually moan that short stories are too short, each of these were actually a perfect length. None of them felt rushed or unfinished. As always, I liked some of them more than others, some of my favourites being The Wallpaper Man and The Backward Man.
A must read for those of you that love short stories filled with horror.
A brilliant selection of 13 short stories, each one completely different than the one before. These stories were all unique, and while I usually moan that short stories are too short, each of these were actually a perfect length. None of them felt rushed or unfinished. As always, I liked some of them more than others, some of my favourites being The Wallpaper Man and The Backward Man.
A must read for those of you that love short stories filled with horror.
October 24, 2022
This book is one twisted piece of work. From monstrous grandmas to corpse is getting revenge every story it’s like a nightmare you really don’t want to have. I loved his writing style it was a new and refreshing style I have never seen before and I loved it. I wanted to listen to this as I fell asleep but there was no sleeping what I started Reading it. Almost every story would be worth buying on its own. I received this book from NetGalleyShelf and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
October 5, 2022
This was my first read from Caleb Stephens. As with any "short story collection," there were some stories that were much better than others.
I will be honest and say that there were two stories that I struggled to get through, but finished for the sake of finishing, haha.
My favorite stories were;
The Wallpaper Man - great disability rep.
Don't let her in - fat shaming. ugh.
Welcome To Camp - interesting concept.
Shadow Puppets - loved this idea, and would have loved to read a full novel about this.
I disliked;
Stay out of the swamp
the crowing
The others were either okay or didn't make a big impression overall.
The writing style was great. Most of the stories were engaging. Keep in mind the stories range in length, but most are very short. Great for those with add like me, haha.
I will be honest and say that there were two stories that I struggled to get through, but finished for the sake of finishing, haha.
My favorite stories were;
The Wallpaper Man - great disability rep.
Don't let her in - fat shaming. ugh.
Welcome To Camp - interesting concept.
Shadow Puppets - loved this idea, and would have loved to read a full novel about this.
I disliked;
Stay out of the swamp
the crowing
The others were either okay or didn't make a big impression overall.
The writing style was great. Most of the stories were engaging. Keep in mind the stories range in length, but most are very short. Great for those with add like me, haha.
September 26, 2022
*disclaimer: I received this as an ARC by BookSirens. This is a honest, consumer review that would voluntary**
love short stories and this one was really good. I was creeped out and I got shivers multiple times. I would love to read other works by this author. 👻
love short stories and this one was really good. I was creeped out and I got shivers multiple times. I would love to read other works by this author. 👻
September 20, 2022
An excellent collection of terrifying stories; some seemed so personal that they felt almost real!
September 15, 2022
A collection of haunting shorts that will chill you whether you read them in the dark or not!
August 23, 2022
Caleb Stephens is an author who confidently portrays his deepest fears, whilst simultaneously inventing characters and scenarios that border that thin line between fantastic and all too realistic. In this collection, his best works are on display. Stories that harken back to the depths of horror which are seldom seen in today's contemporary landscape.
Stories of trauma, loss, depression, addiction, the human condition, and an unbending will to survive. Stephens probes into our consciousness, asking what we would be willing to endure, what traits define ourselves, and how we overcome our own inhibitions. With a voice akin to a commercially friendly powerhouse such as James Patterson or Stephen King, Mr. Stephens is anything but boring. His electrifying pace and masterful control over the English language is comparable to few others. These characteristics coupled with his ability to convey otherworldly, disturbing, and sometimes incomprehensible concepts, make for a satisfying thrill ride from start to finish.
Stories like "The Wallpaper Man" yield to ambiguous morality, challenging the reader to contemplate how much it would take for them give up their humanity. Entries like "A Slide Infinite" enter the reader into a dream-like state, exploring the avenues of imagination and the terrors it may behold. In the visceral "Welcome to Camp Klehani," Stephens transports us to the 1980s, and does so in an unflinching manner that any fan of horror during that period will adore. "Shadow Puppets" explores familial turmoil and inherited sins. "The Crowing" transfixes the reader with a vision of sword-and-sorcery, witches and monsters, in a familiar prose style that only Stephens can exude.
If you are interested in reading fresh, thought-provoking horror, please pick up this collection. If you enjoy fast-paced thrills, pick up this collection. If you enjoy human characters and deep development therein, pick up this collection. If you enjoy good writing, pick up this collection.
In short, just pick up the damn book. You won't regret it.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
Stories of trauma, loss, depression, addiction, the human condition, and an unbending will to survive. Stephens probes into our consciousness, asking what we would be willing to endure, what traits define ourselves, and how we overcome our own inhibitions. With a voice akin to a commercially friendly powerhouse such as James Patterson or Stephen King, Mr. Stephens is anything but boring. His electrifying pace and masterful control over the English language is comparable to few others. These characteristics coupled with his ability to convey otherworldly, disturbing, and sometimes incomprehensible concepts, make for a satisfying thrill ride from start to finish.
Stories like "The Wallpaper Man" yield to ambiguous morality, challenging the reader to contemplate how much it would take for them give up their humanity. Entries like "A Slide Infinite" enter the reader into a dream-like state, exploring the avenues of imagination and the terrors it may behold. In the visceral "Welcome to Camp Klehani," Stephens transports us to the 1980s, and does so in an unflinching manner that any fan of horror during that period will adore. "Shadow Puppets" explores familial turmoil and inherited sins. "The Crowing" transfixes the reader with a vision of sword-and-sorcery, witches and monsters, in a familiar prose style that only Stephens can exude.
If you are interested in reading fresh, thought-provoking horror, please pick up this collection. If you enjoy fast-paced thrills, pick up this collection. If you enjoy human characters and deep development therein, pick up this collection. If you enjoy good writing, pick up this collection.
In short, just pick up the damn book. You won't regret it.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
September 6, 2022
I really enjoyed Caleb Stephens writing style. My only real complaint is that there isn't MORE! A few of the stories left me with a lot of questions that I think could have been answered if the author had gone into more detail.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2022
Top-quality short horror fiction: masterful pacing, complex plotting in very tight settings, sophisticated understanding of characters, creepy and disturbing situations. Rarely have I read a short story collection that hooked me quite as completely as this one. Every story a gem - "The Wallpaper Man", "Shadow Puppets", "You Always Wanted a Garden", "Welcome to Camp Klehani!" and "The Backward Man" my particular standouts. The collection manages to provide deeply thought out horror in such varied settings, written so cleverly in so many different forms, piercing the reader's heart with such subtlety, that it should be read irrespective of genre, as a great example of a short story colleciton. Stephens' voice is assured and absolutely fitting considering the subject matter of each story. I can't recommend him enough.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2022
A collection of creepy, gory tails. These include ghosts, shadows and the unknown. A short collection, so quickly read and a good, creepy read for Halloween!
August 25, 2022
If only a heart
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading!!
The collection of stories and illustrations at the start of them were great.
My favourites were
The wallpaper man
A wallpaper talon extends from the wall, dipping gently to twirl a lock of pipers hair.
“I like this one. Is this to be my gift? Is this to be my next name?”
The backward man
“But that wasn’t the worst part. No, the worst part always came after I saw him.”
Thank you netgalley for the Arc
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading!!
The collection of stories and illustrations at the start of them were great.
My favourites were
The wallpaper man
A wallpaper talon extends from the wall, dipping gently to twirl a lock of pipers hair.
“I like this one. Is this to be my gift? Is this to be my next name?”
The backward man
“But that wasn’t the worst part. No, the worst part always came after I saw him.”
Thank you netgalley for the Arc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
I’m not normally a horror person, but this one looked interesting, so I thought I’d give it a go via an advanced copy. I’m so glad I did.
So many of these stories revolved around familial relationships. As a mother, I connected with several of these stories like “I Will Wait for You” and “You Always Wanted A Garden”. Good books always evoke emotion, and I was very much impacted by this one. All of the stories are solid and several are excellent. I’ll be following this author in the future. Great collection. I highly recommend picking it up!
So many of these stories revolved around familial relationships. As a mother, I connected with several of these stories like “I Will Wait for You” and “You Always Wanted A Garden”. Good books always evoke emotion, and I was very much impacted by this one. All of the stories are solid and several are excellent. I’ll be following this author in the future. Great collection. I highly recommend picking it up!
March 16, 2024
If you enjoy horror stories that are chock-full of unease, gore and both physical and mental reactions to insane storylines… you have GOT to snag this one. These stories are heartbreaking and terrifying and live with me now. The audiobook is a real treat, sound effects and a great narrator — easily draws you into the horrors.
October 4, 2022
Stephens hits the ground running in his debut collection. Through a wide variety of horror sub-genres (creatures, body horror, psychological horror, even a western), he maintains a number of strong themes that become a connective tissue of the collection.
His explorations and exploitations of grief continually ripped my heart out, and ended up being my favorite stories of the bunch. His stories I Will Wait for You, You Always Wanted a Garden, and You Have to Let Him Burn are drenched with sorrow and anguish - the kind of story that makes you close the book for a little while and just sit with your thoughts.
Luckily (for many) Stephens balances these melancholic moments with classically scary stories, and even some that might make you laugh along the way. He asks time and again 'what makes a monster?' and his answers are stirring. The Wallpaper Man, Don't Let Her In, and Shadow Puppets are all still sticking to my mind.
Finally, stories like Stay Out of the Swamp, Jasper Doucet, and The Slide Infinite both surprised me in fun ways. The former challenging my mild distaste for westerns and the latter reminding me of the horrifying action of the show Squid Game.
I'll definitely be picking up whatever Stephens puts out in the future!
His explorations and exploitations of grief continually ripped my heart out, and ended up being my favorite stories of the bunch. His stories I Will Wait for You, You Always Wanted a Garden, and You Have to Let Him Burn are drenched with sorrow and anguish - the kind of story that makes you close the book for a little while and just sit with your thoughts.
Luckily (for many) Stephens balances these melancholic moments with classically scary stories, and even some that might make you laugh along the way. He asks time and again 'what makes a monster?' and his answers are stirring. The Wallpaper Man, Don't Let Her In, and Shadow Puppets are all still sticking to my mind.
Finally, stories like Stay Out of the Swamp, Jasper Doucet, and The Slide Infinite both surprised me in fun ways. The former challenging my mild distaste for westerns and the latter reminding me of the horrifying action of the show Squid Game.
I'll definitely be picking up whatever Stephens puts out in the future!
December 6, 2022
Really solid collection of short stories! I first encountered Caleb Stephens’ work in Howls from the Dark Ages, so when I had the chance to read this collection, I was thrilled. Standouts were The Backwards Man (genuinely chilling - the mental images from the story’s climax are going to stick with me for awhile) and You Have To Let Him Burn (thanks for making me cry on the train on the way to work, Caleb!)
September 24, 2022
This book was so exceptional in its writing and scare factor.
After the very first story, I started to brace myself for the next one, now knowing what I was in for, and being very very afraid of it. I was genuinely horrified and terrified. Some stories stuck in my mind so much that I didn't fancy sleeping.
Some of my favourite stories were: 'Welcome to Camp Klehani!' 'Shadow Puppets,' and 'The Atoll.' I really loved the concepts for these three, and the story was long enough that it definitely built up a tense atmosphere. Some other notable mentions are, 'A slide infinite,' and 'The Backwards Man.' These two were especially gruesome or just plain horrifying to imagine.
Though, with all anthologies, there are some stories that don't live up to the rest. I found these to be 'If only a heart' and 'I will wait for you.' I just thought they were a bit underwhelming when compared to the other stories.
I'm altogether really happy to have read this anthology. A great mix of stories and concepts, paired with amazing storytelling that a lot of short stories tend to lack.
I should mention, however, that I received this ebook for free (from BookSirens, if anyone is wondering). That did not, in any way, influence my review. I was actually astounded with how good this book was.
After the very first story, I started to brace myself for the next one, now knowing what I was in for, and being very very afraid of it. I was genuinely horrified and terrified. Some stories stuck in my mind so much that I didn't fancy sleeping.
Some of my favourite stories were: 'Welcome to Camp Klehani!' 'Shadow Puppets,' and 'The Atoll.' I really loved the concepts for these three, and the story was long enough that it definitely built up a tense atmosphere. Some other notable mentions are, 'A slide infinite,' and 'The Backwards Man.' These two were especially gruesome or just plain horrifying to imagine.
Though, with all anthologies, there are some stories that don't live up to the rest. I found these to be 'If only a heart' and 'I will wait for you.' I just thought they were a bit underwhelming when compared to the other stories.
I'm altogether really happy to have read this anthology. A great mix of stories and concepts, paired with amazing storytelling that a lot of short stories tend to lack.
I should mention, however, that I received this ebook for free (from BookSirens, if anyone is wondering). That did not, in any way, influence my review. I was actually astounded with how good this book was.
October 14, 2022
A powerful horror collection with stories that explore grief, childhood, revenge, and many other dark corners of the human experience. A lot of these stories are rooted in classic horror tropes, but Caleb elevates them with strong characters, poetic language, and a frequently, a strong sense of fun. It flows like butter, too. I would sit down to read a story and often end up reading two or three.
Favorites:
The Crowing
The Atoll
You Have to Let Him Burn
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The Atoll
You Have to Let Him Burn
October 3, 2022
This was a really fun collection of scary short stories! There were a few that I loved more than the rest, as is typical for short story collections, but I think Camp Khelani and The Wallpaper Man take the cake for me. Each story was unique, had excellent creep factor, and kept me entertained. I highly recommend this spine tingling read for spooky season, and horror lovers alike.
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